In My Bag: Hospital Delivery
After sharing a quick sneak peak of me prepping my bag for the hospital on Instagram, I received an influx of messages asking to share a detailed list of what I’m packing. I’m no expert, not even close, but I’m happy to share what works well for me. To be completely honest, my goal is to spend as little time in the hospital as humanly possible. We were there for about 36 hours with Marin (just long enough to get the required heart scan), and I couldn’t wait to leave the instant it was over and we received the all-clear. I’m so thankful she and I were healthy and could do so, but man, I just wanted to be HOME. I’m probably an ideal candidate for a home birth, in all honesty, but finding a midwife in our area has proven to be next to impossible and Tyler is way too anxious about it. So a hospital it is!
I say all of the above simply because I don’t need very much for a day or two stay at the hospital. You may feel completely different and that’s totally okay! Do what makes YOU feel confident and comfortable. As a heads up, though, you don’t have to have a bag packed at all. The hospital will be able to provide everything you and baby need - robe, diapers, onesies, wipes, pads, etc. What I’m bringing are simply nice-to-have’s. You will need a car seat and an outfit to bring baby home, but that’s it. So seriously, don’t stress! You’ve got this.
I N M Y B A G
Catalina Deluxe - I’ve had my bag for many years, so the color/style I have is slightly different, but the new version looks great (and improved!).
Nipple Butter - I use this stuff religiously as soon as I start breast feeding. I apply after every single feed.
Organic Pads - While in the hospital, I use the items they provide, but I do throw in a feminine pad for the ride home. It probably sounds dumb, but I HATE those diapers they provide. I’m much more comfortable with a pad, so I convert to those ASAP. I also use these items at home: Perineal Balm, Perineal Spray, and Frida Peri Bottle. I just don’t haul everything to the hospital for delivery as it doesn’t seem necessary for a day or two stay.
Mascara - I don’t wear a ton of makeup on a normal day, but even I’ll keep it super simple in the hospital. I’ll bring my favorite mascara and lip balm and throw in a moisturizer sample I have on hand from Aesop. That’s it.
Mini Foaming Wash - This probably sounds weird, but I don’t take stuff to shower at the hospital. I’d much prefer to wait until I get home, but I will wash my face and hands regularly and this Foaming Wash from Branch Basics is my favorite - and what I use at home anyway.
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Vitamins - I’m religious about taking my vitamins, so this always comes with me if I’m going to be gone overnight.
Toothbrush - I felt silly throwing this on the list because surely everyone would remember to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, but you never know!
Charger - A lot of people swear by a charge with a long cord, but I just bring my normal everyday phone charger.
Cotton Underwear - Two pairs of my favorite cotton underwear.
Cropped Cashmere Cardigan - Layers are my key to staying comfortable, and this super soft cardigan is perfect for cuddling a newborn.
Nursing Bras - I had a slightly different version of these with Marin, but I liked them enough to purchase again. I’ll start using these reusable nursing pads once I’m home.
Nursing Top - I own next to no maternity clothing, but I did purchase this nursing-friendly top on a whim and like it. It’s a warm layer in a neutral color with some great texture - and doesn’t really look maternity.
Birkenstocks - My ride-or-die shoes. I’ll wear these to the hospital and during my entire stay - yes, I’ll wear them with socks. Ha! I’m not ashamed.
Seamless Leggings - These leggings aren’t maternity, but they are SUPER stretchy and comfortable. I can actually fit them over my nearly 9-month pregnant belly, so they’ll be great post-birth too.
Wool Socks - Warm socks are a must in the hospital!
Everyday Cardigan - Easy to throw on and convenient for breast feeding. I'm not a robe person, so I opt for soft and cozy cardigan’s instead.
White Tank - Old tank from when I was pregnant with Marin, but it fits over my belly so there’s that.
Maternity Leggings - These are actually the only maternity leggings I own, and I’ve had them since I was pregnant with Marin. They’re not in the best shape - I found they snagged and pilled quite a bit with wear - but they’re comfortable and what I have.
Leather Bow - This was Marin’s bow, so looking forward to putting it to good use again.
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Jersey Onesie - Incredibly soft and kimono style (my favorite) in size newborn.
Jersey Pants - Same soft jersey material as the onesie above, perfect for those early days.
Knit Sweater - An extra warm layer, just in case.
Baby Booties - Soft, warm, and oh so cute! I’ve had my eye on these for quite some time and finally decided to purchase since we’ll have a newborn in fall/winter. Can’t wait to put these to great use!
Knot Headband - Also Marin’s from when she was little.
Kimono Set - Cute, neutral, and easily mixes and matches with anything. I like that these pants have feet for those early days.
Sherpa-Lined Bonnet - We LOVE Briar Baby bonnets! We have several brimmed which are perfect for spring/summer, but I’m looking forward to this warm version for baby. We also have some Pom Bonnets which are SO DANG CUTE and perfect for the holidays!
Baby Blanket - We have one of these for Marin and one now for baby girl. They are extremely well made and perfect for little ones.
Pacifier - Marin never took a pacifier, but I wanted to have one on hand, just in case.
Burp Cloths - Versatile and affordable. We currently use these as a wash cloth for Marin in the bath, but I bought an additional set to use as burp cloths.
Swaddle - Our very favorite swaddle from Marin’s baby days. It has the perfect amount of stretch to create a tight swaddle yet isn’t bulky. I bought a new one for baby since Marin’s was nearly thread bare from so much use!
Pillow - I just used a normal bed pillow for nursing Marin, and I plan to do the same this time around. I’ll bring my own pillow to the hospital, both for me and for use nursing. These down alternative ones from Parachute Home are our favorite.
Car Seat + Base - Obviously not going in my hospital bag, but thought I’d mention it since you’ll have to have a car seat to take baby home! We’re reusing our seat and base from Marin, but I would definitely buy the same again if we had it to do all over again.
This post is not sponsored or in partnership with any of the aforementioned brands but the article contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.